Screwfix searches for Britain’s Top Tradesperson

The annual competition, now in its 10th year, has a top prize of a £20k trade bundle, which includes £10k worth of tools, £5k tech and £5k to go towards future training.

Shortlisted entries will take part in a semi-final, before the top 10 finalists are chosen to meet a panel of judges.

Caroline Welsh, director of brand and marketing at Screwfix, said: “As Screwfix celebrates the 10th anniversary of Britain’s Top Tradesperson, our goal is to find someone who is the embodiment of their trade. The search is on to crown someone who not only champions their trade, but also acts as an ambassador to help futureproof the industry and encourage future generations.

“Since we launched the competition in 2009, we have seen record levels of entrants year-on-year and we are excited to see what this year has to offer. We know from talking to our trade customers how much they enjoy taking part, and with such strong competition we will be looking for one high calibre individual.”

The FMB’s Brian Berry said: “Britain’s Top Tradesperson gives all tradespeople the chance to receive the recognition they deserve. The FMB has been supporting this campaign for the past decade, and I would encourage all of the fantastic tradespeople working for our members to apply to represent the best of the industry.”

The 2018 winner was carpenter Stuart Roache from Northampton.

Speaking from experience on how winning the competition can transform your livelihood, 2012 winner, gas engineer Michael Cairns, said: “Being named Britain’s Top Tradesperson was such an achievement. It has allowed me to lay a stable foundation and further invest in my business; I now employ 15 people and continue to see year-on-year growth. It genuinely changed my business for the better. ”

2018 winner, Stuart Roache added: “Winning the competition last year changed my business forever and created so many fantastic opportunities. The accolade is the ultimate recognition a tradesperson can receive. I would definitely encourage others to enter; the rewards are life changing!”